Judith Chalmers, the iconic presenter of the long-running holiday programme 'Wish You Were Here...?', has died at the age of 90 after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer's disease. Her family, who were by her side when she passed, paid a heartfelt tribute to the television legend, describing her life as extraordinary.
Family Tribute
In a statement released to ITV News, Judith's family said: "After living an extraordinary life that involved over 60 years in broadcasting and countless adventures all over the globe, Judy sadly passed away last night, surrounded by the family she loved so much after suffering with Alzheimer's for some years." They added, referencing her iconic travel show: "We will miss her greatly but she leaves behind a giant suitcase of the happiest of memories."
A Pioneering Career
Born in Gatley, Cheshire, Judith began her broadcasting career at the tender age of 13, working for the BBC on the programme 'Children's Hour' alongside her sister Sandra. Throughout the 1960s, she presented popular radio shows such as 'Family Favourites' and 'Woman's Hour', as well as the television dance programme 'Come Dancing' from 1961 to 1965.
In the 1970s, she moved to ITV to host the daytime show 'Good Afternoon'. In 1974, at the age of 38, she began presenting the holiday programme 'Wish You Were Here...?', a role she would hold for nearly three decades until 2003. The show not only cemented her status as a beloved television personality but also launched the career of her son, Mark Durden-Smith, who went on to host the spin-off series 'Wish You Were Here...? Now and Then'.
Legacy and Family
Judith was awarded an OBE in 1994 for her services to broadcasting. She is survived by her two children, Mark and Emma, whom she had with her husband Neil Durden-Smith, and six grandchildren. Mark has enjoyed a successful broadcasting career, hosting major programmes for ITV, Channel 5, and Prime Video, as well as rugby coverage for Sky Sports and being one of the original presenters of Channel 4's breakfast show 'RI:SE'.
Reflecting on her career in 2009, Judith told The Independent: "I have seen so much of the world and discovered how different it is." She noted that when she started on 'Wish You Were Here...?', holidays were about "lying on the beach with lemons and oil," but she later developed a taste for culture.
Public Tributes
Fans and colleagues alike have paid tribute to the effervescent broadcaster. One fan wrote on X: "Very sad news. Judith was the reassuring voice of travel for a generation, bringing the world into British living rooms long before the internet made it easy. Through Wish You Were Here…?, she had a way of making even the most ordinary package holiday feel like something special." Another said: "Rest In Peace Judith. A wonderful lady and presenter bringing the world into our living rooms." A third shared poignantly: "Wish she was still here..."
Judith Chalmers will be remembered as a trailblazer in travel television, whose warmth and enthusiasm inspired millions to explore the world.
